Middleboro Cobras slip past Bay State

The Middleboro Cobras overcame an abysmal, turnover-ridden first half to remain unbeaten and win their home opener against the Bay State Buccaneers, 17-6, on Saturday night in Eastern Football League action at Battis Field.

MIDDLEBORO – The Middleboro Cobras overcame an abysmal, turnover-ridden first half to remain unbeaten and win their home opener against the Bay State Buccaneers, 17-6, on Saturday night in Eastern Football League action at Battis Field.

Bay State had a pair of missed opportunities in the first half when quarterback Anthony Comer found a wide-open Mark Evora, who snuck behind the defense. But the pass was just a few inches too far. The Bucs also had a pick-6 called back because of offsides. Joseph Memmo had the interception.

The Cobras struggled to get an offensive rhythm as they were stymied by four turnovers in the first half.

The Cobras’ Kurt Leone threw a pick into triple coverage and almost recorded a second interception to a wide-open Bucs player, but the ball was dropped.

A pair of Cobra receivers coughed up the ball after making completions.

With Bay State driving, Keilen McDonald tipped the ball on the goal line and Rasheed Chinn made a nice effort to grab the turnover and thwart any further damage.

The Bucs scored first after turning a fumble into points. Defensive lineman Corey Eason scooped up the loose ball and made an impressive hurdle over a defender, but was caught. Comer found a wide-open receiver to make it 6-0.

But Leone settled down and connected with Will Price for a last-second touchdown as time expired in the first half to take the 7-6 lead.

In the second half, Middleboro wasted a gift-wrapped opportunity after Bay State’s snap was way high on a punt attempt. Leone threw an interception in the end zone on the ensuing drive.

As the third quarter came to a close, Leone made a magnificent play after fumbling the snap. Under pressure and being tackled, he lobbed the ball to his back, who went for 36 yards. Later in the drive, Leone found Alex Smith for a brilliant TD pass on fourth-and-3.

Running back Thaddeus France put the moves on Bucs defenders after a nifty catch to convert on third down and keep the clock running.

Middleboro sealed the victory with a 20-yard field goal that made it 17-6 with 1:23 to play.

The Cobras improved to 3-0 and will host the Quincy Militia on Saturday.